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种子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
种子zhǒngziseedHSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #7393, Hard
zhǒngzi(zhong3zi5)zhong zi T3
  1. 1seed
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March 24, 2026

种子(種子)zhǒngzi(zhong3zi5)

The term 种子 (zhǒngzi) refers to a 'seed,' which is the reproductive unit of a plant that can develop into a new plant. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts, as well as metaphorically to describe beginnings or potential, such as 'the seed of an idea.'

Strokes12Frequency#7393DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of seeds is often associated with growth and potential, both literally in agriculture and metaphorically in personal development and innovation. The phrase 播种 (bōzhǒng), meaning 'to sow seeds,' is frequently used to symbolize starting new endeavors.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 种 (zhǒng) as a farmer (田) planting seeds (子) in the ground. The farmer sows the seeds with care, envisioning the growth to come, which helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 种子

zhǒngzi(zhong3zi5)
1seed
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 种子

种子Simplified
種子Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7393Frequency Rank
颗Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 种子

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Podcast: 种子

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AI Study Notes for 种子

Quick Contrast

芽 (yá, sprout) — use 种子 for the reproductive unit before germination, while 芽 refers to the early growth stage after germination.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is to confuse 种子 with the word for 'plant' (植物 zhíwù); remember that 种子 specifically refers to seeds. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but typically more in discussions related to agriculture or nature. Be careful with tone when pronouncing 'zhǒng,' as mispronouncing it could change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 种子 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to agriculture and nature. Students should focus on using it in compound phrases and idiomatic expressions, such as 种子发芽 (the seed sprouts), to enhance their fluency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 种子 as zhòngzi (with a fourth tone), which can lead to confusion. Always remember the correct tones: zhǒngzi.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 种子

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Component Characters

种zhǒngseed
HSK 39 strokes禾
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say seed in Chinese

“seed” in Chinese is种子zhǒngzi

The term 种子 (zhǒngzi) refers to a 'seed,' which is the reproductive unit of a plant that can develop into a new plant. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts, as well as metaphorically to describe beginnings or potential, such as 'the seed of an idea.'

When to use 种子

A common mistake is to confuse 种子 with the word for 'plant' (植物 zhíwù); remember that 种子 specifically refers to seeds. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but typically more in discussions related to agriculture or nature. Be careful with tone when pronouncing 'zhǒng,' as mispronouncing it could change the meaning.

种子 or something close to it

芽 (yá, sprout) — use 种子 for the reproductive unit before germination, while 芽 refers to the early growth stage after germination.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 种子 as zhòngzi (with a fourth tone), which can lead to confusion. Always remember the correct tones: zhǒngzi.

Write 种子

种
子

Practice writing 种子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 种子

种子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

有一些____发芽快，所以差不多每天得察看一下。

Some seed varieties germinate fast, so check every day or so.

Example Sentences for 种子 (10)

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1
有一些种子发芽快，所以差不多每天得察看一下。

yǒu yī xiē zhǒng zǐ fā yá kuài， ， suǒ yǐ chà bù duō měi tiān dé chá kàn yī。

Some seed varieties germinate fast, so check every day or so.
2
研究人员已经从罂粟种子里分离出一种新的蛋白质。

yán jiū rén yuán yǐ jīng cóng yīng sù zhǒng zǐ lǐ fēn lí chū yī zhǒng xīn de dàn bái zhì。

Researchers have isolated a new protein from the seeds of poppies.
3
我学会了如何称出袋装种子的重量。

wǒ xué huì le rú hé chēng chū dài zhuāng zhǒng zǐ de zhòng liáng。

I learned how to weigh out packages of seed.
4
在决赛中，三号种子选手卡普里亚蒂击败了凯特林娜·马莉娃。

zài jué sài zhōng， ， sān hào zhǒng zǐ xuǎn shǒu kǎ pǔ lǐ yà dì jī bài le kǎi tè lín· nà · mǎ。

In the final Capriati, the third seed, defeated Katerina Maleeva.
5
他被列为二号种子选手，位居布拉德·贝文之后。

tā bèi liè wéi èr hào zhǒng zǐ xuǎn shǒu， ， wèi jū bù lā· dé · bèi wén。

He is seeded second, behind Brad Beven.
6
2月或3月里把种子播种在温暖的地方。

2 2 yuè3 huò 3 yuè lǐ bǎ zhǒng zǐ bō zhǒng zài wēn nuǎn de。

Sow the seed in a warm place in February/March.
7
这些种子必须盖上一层泥土.

zhè xiē zhǒng zǐ bì xū gài shàng yī céng ní tǔ.

These seeds must be covered with a layer of earth.
8
冬季之心内含春之种子.

dōng jì zhī xīn nèi hán chūn zhī zhǒng zǐ.

In every winter heart, there is the seed of spring.
9
每一粒种子都是一种渴.

měi yī lì zhǒng zǐ dū shì yī zhǒng kě.

Every seed is a longing.
10
我们的狗回家时毛上有些带刺的种子.

wǒ mén de gǒu huí jiā shí máo shàng yǒu xiē dài cì de zhǒng zǐ.

Our dog came home with burrs in his coat.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 种子

种子 specifically means 'seed' in a general sense, while others like 粒 (lì) or 颗 (kē) refer to the counting units and can imply size or type.

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